Electrical Installation Condition Reports – Landlords and Homeowners

Regular electrical safety checks and electrical testing and inspection is not only necessary but is required by legislation in both domestic and commercial settings. Because all electrical installations deteriorate due to several factors such as damage, wear, tear, corrosion, excessive electrical loading, ageing and environmental influences current legislation requires that electrical installations are maintained in a safe condition and therefore must be periodically inspected and tested. 

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An EICR (Electrical Installation Condition Report) is the most straightforward and cost-effective way of proving an electrical installation is safe. 

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There are many reasons you might want an electrical installation condition report.

• Landlords require an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR)

• Home buyers may require an electrical survey. Requesting an EICR on a property you’re about to purchase is the best way to find out if work needs to be carried out on the electrical system

• If your existing electrical system has been altered or damaged, or the premises is changing use

• To ensure compliance with BS7671 (IET wiring regulations for electrical installations)

• Licensing authorities, public bodies, insurance companies, mortgage lenders and others may require an EICR.

An Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) for Landlords

An EICR is most commonly used by landlords as it is the easiest way of proving an electrical installation is safe. If landlords do not complete their electrical safety obligations they may not only be putting their properties and tenants and risk, but they also face significant financial risks from fines and invalidated insurances.

Landlords are required by law to ensure:

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That when tenants move in the electrical installation in the rented property is safe and is and maintained throughout the tenancy and have periodic inspections every five years. 

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That any appliances provided within the rental property are safe and has at least the CE marking. (A PAT test is an effective way for landlords to ensure that they are meeting their legal obligations to maintain exacting standards of electrical safety in their rented property).